Resolute - Shirleen Davies Page 0,2

her chin with a finger. “Pictures and dinner. Nothing nefarious. What do you say?”

Biting her lower lip, she gave a slow nod. “Only if I can bring dessert.”

“Great. How about Saturday?”

She bent down, lifting a thick book onto the desk and opening it. “I can be there about three o’clock.”

Crossing his arms, Gunner’s face sobered, brows drawing together. “With dessert? Not just those store bought cookies or cakes, right?”

Her gaze shot to his. Seeing the mischief in his eyes, she laughed. “If that’s the ticket to dinner, then absolutely. I’ll bring a fruit pie.”

“Glad we’re on the same page.” Dropping his arms, he looked down at the open pages.

She sucked in a breath, excited about Saturday, while needing to move on to business. Gunner had been making noises about asking her out for months, until Katrina had decided he’d lost interest. Today surprised her. Forcing herself to concentrate on the reason for his trip, she flipped through pages, pointing out native plants he might want to consider.

“The selections depend on your goals, the soil, final layout, plus the bushes and plants you like.”

“Whatever you select will be fine, Kat.”

Squaring her shoulders, she tapped on a page. “You don’t get off that easy, mister. This is your house, and from what I’ve heard, you spent a good deal of time and money building it. The same applies to the landscape. You want to smile when you pull into your drive.”

Leaning against the edge of the desk, he quirked a brow. “Smile, huh?”

“Well, you know what I mean.” Her mouth twisted into a grimace. “You do know what I’m talking about, right?”

“Maybe. Probably.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Honestly, if you like it, I know I will.”

Closing the book, she set it under the desk. “You’re putting a lot of pressure on me.”

“No more than you can handle.”

She barked out a self-deprecating laugh. “You have a lot of faith in me, Gunner. What if I’m not any good?”

Shaking his head, he laughed. “Janie doesn’t hire anyone who isn’t much better than good, Kat. I—” The ringing of his phone cutoff what he was about to say. “Hey, Fuse.”

“Wrath is calling a meeting. Thirty minutes.”

“I’ll be there.” Sliding the phone into a pocket, he headed to the door. “Gotta go. I’ll see you Saturday at three.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” Katrina watched through the window as he made his way around racks of plantings and potted trees, thinking the same as she did each time Gunner was around. “He is one fine-looking man. If only…” She didn’t have to vocalize the rest.

Since running from their home six years before, she hadn’t allowed herself more than a few evenings out with a man. She’d wanted more, a real chance to get to know someone, but never took the chance. Not with women friends, and definitely not with men. Katrina wanted to believe Liberty Lake would be different.

“How’d it go with that stud, Gunner?” Janie stepped into the office, following Kat’s gaze out the window.

Katrina couldn’t help chuckling at her boss’s description. “He invited me to his place Saturday to look around, make suggestions, and stay for dinner. I’m to meet him at three.”

“Finally. I thought that boy would never notch up his courage to make a move.”

“Janie!”

“Well, it’s true. He’s been hovering around you for months. Buying you a drink at Robbie’s, staying to talk a while. It was time to get on with it.”

Grabbing a wood chair, she sat down, stretching out her short legs. At just over five feet, and not an ounce more than a hundred and five pounds, the woman was a dynamo, never bothering to curb her tongue. It made for some memorable discussions.

“It’s just dinner.”

“At his house.”

“Nothing will happen, Janie. It’s a few hours with a friend.”

She crossed her arms. “Uh huh.”

Katrina gave her a stern look. “I’m certainly not falling into bed with him the first time we’re together.”

“Alone.”

“You’re incorrigible. Which reminds me, how are things going with Kent?”

Janie waved a hand in the air. “We put up with each other.”

Katrina lifted a brow. “Right.”

“We’ve both been through rough divorces. Left us both cautious. We’re comfortable and having a good time. Nothing more.” Pushing up, Janie took the few steps to the door. “I’d best get back to work.” She checked the time. “Your shift’s up. Are you heading straight home?”

“Grocery store, gas station, pick up Brady at his job. Mom won’t be home until late, which means I’ll be fixing dinner. Why? Do you need me